Gold is more available to the average investor because it can be purchased in the form of bullion (pure gold in its original physical form.) Gold dealers or banks can handle the transaction.

27 Dec 2010

By Barrie Watson

For all practical purposes, gold is a solid investment. Yet, be cautious and informed, as many can be fooled. Selling your gold can be tricky, but investing in it can be fun! Currently there are a slew of commercial and advertisements about companies who promise you big money for your old gold jewelry.

They sell you on the concept that your old gold jewelry can earn you quick and easy spending money. They will even give you a pre-paid envelope for you to send your old gold jewelry to them in exchange for quick cash. They use repetitive psychology to convince you that your jewelry has no value because it is old, but they will give you quick cash for it anyway.

This should have red flags all over it, but unfortunately, many people will fall for their sales pitch and mail their jewelry to an unknown entity in exchange for much less than what their gold jewelry is probably worth. They know what most people don't. Gold is a very valuable investment. Even in the form of old jewelry.

This is not to suggest you run out and pay retail for gold jewelry. Still, investing in gold is probably much easier than you might think. As opposed to investing in stocks, which are attractive because they are readily transferable and easier to access, Investing in commodities such as oil or gold tends to be a little tricky.

Obviously, you cannot go out and purchase a barrel of oil. Gold is more available to the average investor because it can be purchased in the form of bullion (pure gold in its original physical form.) Gold dealers or banks can handle the transaction. Because of the unreliability of stocks, particularly in today's economy, with access to today's advanced financial resources, it has become easier to Invest In gold.

It is no longer necessary to actually make a purchase of the physical metal. Through Exchange Traded Funds (ETF), one can own gold in the form of gold shares. Each share represents one-tenth of an ounce of pure gold. This investment is easy and inexpensive and very attractive to the novice investor.

Unlike stocks and bonds, which can be rendered worthless overnight, gold prices are determined by the economy. The worse the economy, the higher the value of gold. With the current economic status, now would be an excellent time to invest in gold.

Gold as an investment is usually purchased in Bullions or in Mint Coins. Because of the appeal to collectors, coins generally have the greater value. To get the most value, plan on a long-term investment. Gold is considered among the safest investments. It does not collapse in tough economic times. Unlike oil, gold is not controlled by any political organization or government.

In the past few years, gold has shown a steady increase in value. Economists have reported that this trend is likely to continue. In recent years, financial institutions have seen a sharp increase in printed money, which many claim is responsible for the decline in the value of our monetary system. This has also increased the price of gold, as gold cannot be printed or manufactured, which makes it a safe investment, unlike stocks and bonds.

Gold offers several benefits to the investor. Stocks and bonds are liquid, but not tangible. You own a share of something, but not in any physical form. Real estate, on the other hand, is tangible, but not liquid, particularly in today's buyer's market.

Gold, however, is both. It is a tangible investment. It is a liquid investment, making it one of the most desirable and profitable investments today. Considering our current economy, the time to invest is now!